Time Issues Humiliating Correction on Kamala Harris’ Support for Taxpayer-Funded Gender Surgeries for Illegal Immigrants

In a significant backtrack, Time magazine issued a correction on September 11, admitting that Vice President Kamala Harris does indeed support taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for illegal immigrants in detention. This came after the publication initially accused former President Donald Trump of spreading misinformation during a debate when he claimed Harris backed such policies.

The incident originated from a resurfaced 2019 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) questionnaire, where Harris, then a presidential candidate, stated her support for gender transition surgeries funded by taxpayers for detained migrants. Harris made clear in her responses that she believed individuals in state custody, including migrants, should have access to medically necessary treatments, including gender reassignment procedures​.

Time just quietly updated their article where they accused Trump of lying about Kamala’s support for s*x change surgery for detained illegals.

They backtracked on it and are now admitting that Kamala supports tax funded s*x change surgery for illegal aliens in prison. pic.twitter.com/G4DxiOaWwS

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 11, 2024

During a recent debate, Trump referenced Harris’ stance, saying she “wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison.” The claim was initially dismissed by Time and several media outlets as another instance of Trump exaggerating. However, the 2019 ACLU document provided the evidence backing Trump’s statement, forcing Time to correct their reporting​.

Harris’ support for this policy has sparked controversy, particularly among conservative circles, as it touches on the contentious issues of immigration, healthcare, and gender identity. Critics argue that using taxpayer dollars for such surgeries, particularly for individuals in the country illegally, is out of touch with mainstream American values. Breitbart and other right-leaning outlets quickly highlighted the correction, framing it as further evidence of Harris’ radical left-wing positions​.

MUST WATCH: The last time Kamala ran for President, she told David Muir that she would use executive orders for gun control.

Even Biden was telling her that it wasn't constitutional. She just laughed at him. pic.twitter.com/k2whLMYHzq

— MAZE (@mazemoore) September 11, 2024

The broader media reaction was notable as well. Several mainstream commentators initially ridiculed Trump’s debate remarks, with former CNN contributor Marc Lamont Hill calling it the “wildest thing I’ve ever heard” during any debate. However, once the questionnaire came to light, these outlets were forced to reckon with the reality of Harris’ policy stance.

Despite the uproar, Harris has stood by her 2019 position. The vice president has a long track record of supporting gender-affirming care, a stance she took even as California’s attorney general when she advocated for the state's Department of Corrections to provide gender transition surgery to prisoners. Harris has continued to emphasize that such care is a medical necessity and should be available to those in state or federal custody.

For the Harris campaign, this correction comes at a delicate time. As the 2024 election heats up, Republicans are keen to use her past positions to paint her as an out-of-touch liberal. The Trump campaign has already capitalized on the Time correction, positioning it as part of a broader narrative about the Biden-Harris administration's alleged extremism on social and cultural issues​.

This correction highlights a broader issue in media reporting on complex policy positions, where statements are sometimes dismissed before fully understanding the facts. The media’s initial dismissal of Trump’s claim without proper verification underscores how polarizing figures and topics can skew coverage. Now, with the facts laid bare, Harris’ stance will likely remain a flashpoint in the coming election​.